Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT: Race Car Modifications

Shedding more than 300kg and addingmore power, the SLR McLaren 722 GTromps from 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds

The World's 2nd Most Exclusive Car Club

Another day, another exclusive racing club for the obscenely rich. Not unlike the new Ferrari FXX Evolution, the Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT is part of a racing league. "This puristic super-sports car is designed exclusively for the
racetrack, has no approval for on-road use and will take part in the
SLR. CLUB Trophy, a competition series forming part of the SLR. CLUB
racetrack programme in Europe."

Owners of the 21 new cars will become part of a "highly exclusive community" that develops events and races for the SLR
and is chaired by none other than Dr. Dieter Zetsche, the Chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of
Mercedes-Benz Cars. And you're race instructors will be racing legends like David Coulthard,
Klaus Ludwig, and Chris Goodwin. E-gads!

- Feann Torr, Editor

Would Sir like Formula 1 drivers to teachone the way of the race track? Very well

Entitled
the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT, it's been modified to the point
where it didn't make sense to make it road legal. Yep, this is one is a
purebred track car with a top speed of 315km/h due in part to its
modified gearing and tuned 5.5-litre supercharged V8 powerplant.

Almost
everything about the car has been changed, including its eligibility
for road use. The aerodynamics have been improved, allowing the car to
slice through the air without as much drag, it's lighter which makes it
accelerate, turn, and brake with more urgency.

The SLR McLaren's engine was never in dire need of more power in the first instance, but the crew behind this upgrade (British
motor racing
specialists RML Group, aka Ray Mallock Ltd) have comprehensively
altered the engine, redesigning more than 400 engine components.

"Compared
to the series-production version, the SLR 722 GT has been uniquely and
comprehensively re-engineered by RML, especially with respect to the
suspension, braking system, aerodynamics, interior and exhaust system," boasts the press release.

The key modifications to the
engine, which improve power by 15kW to 500kW (680hp) and add 10Nm for a
total of 830Nm of torque, were the addition of a racing air filter, a wickedly loud racing exhaust system and increasing the supercharger pressure to
25 psi (1.75 bar) while strengthening the engine's internals to cope.

The engine's power is transferred to the rear wheels via a 5-speed automatic transmission with steering
wheel shift paddles, which has been adapted by RML to racing conditions. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT also benefits from a
mechanically locking differential with a locking effect of 70%
under acceleration and 80% on the overrun. This ensures traction
without loss of power.

Just 21
of these dynamic two-seater race cars will be built, and with a kerb
weight of 1390kg and peak power of 500 kilowatts, the zero to 100km/h
dash is over in an explosive 3.3 seconds - three tenths quicker than the
standard Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 model.

There's
more than just a 'GT' badge added to the exterior as well. As the
photos make clear, this is no ordinary sports car - it's a fully
realised race car for the super rich CEO. The new body
work includes the subtle new rear wing, a new look engine hood,
and a motor sports front apron with front splitter.

There's also extended wheel arches, stick-on side skirts, and the most impressive rear diffuser we've seen in months. According to the car maker, the aggressive body work additions are "obvious indicators of outstanding racetrack performance and
extensive aerodynamic development work."

Getting
the car's weight down from 1724kg to 1390kg is an incredible feat, and
"numerous comfort features" were dispensed with to achieve the huge
weight reduction.

With the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT"Fast
lap times are guaranteed by the newly developed suspension," says
the car maker. The wheels have been pushed wider at both the front
and rear (hence the wide body kit) which is claimed to provide"improved kinematics and
lateral dynamics".

Other
chassis upgrades, such as a modified anti-roll bar at the front axle,
reduces roll
when cornering and an adjustable wheel camber system allows
drivers to fine tune their track setup. Fully adjustable shock
absorbers with variable compression and rebound levels are part of the
package, as are 18-inch wheels with central locks allow fast
tyre-changes during a race, and can be used with a pneumatic jacking
system.

The
brakes have been beefed up, featuring "highly efficient, fade-resistant
braking... provided by the new racing brakes complying with FIA GT
regulations,
which feature a modified cooling airflow and adjustable balance."

While
the interior has been systematically stripped of all niceties, it does
get a roll cage, a new look instrument panel
complete with racing displays, plus a motor sports steering
wheel and heavy duty bucket seats with six-point seat belts.

Expect to see more of British
motor racing
specialists RML Group on the future production models.